Syosset Baseball Association culminated its 50th season of youth baseball for the community with its annual Awards Dinner, Monday, Nov. 1 at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

This year's dinner provided some special touches in recognition of this milestone in the community. Attended by 500 players and accompanying parents, the return of the Boston Red Sox "Curse of the Bambino" returned with a very special guest - Mookie Wilson addressed the group as guest speaker, bringing back the memories of the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Mookie was at his best, providing commentary to the group on his career, his son, Preston's current career and insight into that great night and play that is embedded in our minds and hearts, that led to the New York Mets capturing the 1986 World Series.

Mookie answered many questions from eager players. After the question/answer session, Mookie gave each attending player an autographed and dated, with the famed date 10/25/86, photo of the play that we remember ... that roller down the first base line, just rolling under Bill Buckner's glove of the Boston Red Sox bringing home Ray Knight with the winning run in game six of the 1986 World Series. Mookie additionally autographed balls, caps and anything else that was requested of him.

Additionally, other special festivities for this milestone dinner brought back a reunion of Past Presidents Artie Sadis and Dave Mosenson, as well as longstanding board members Paul Schiebeluth and Mike Gross. Artis Sadis presented current President Rob Jolson with the gold charter for Syosset Baseball.

The traditional support and visit of local politicians was prominent with a welcome and congratulations announcement from Town Supervisor John Venditto. Venditto was accompanied by Rose Walker, Steve Labriola, Mary McCaffrey and Chris Coshignano. The event being held on election eve, it's always a special moment with this prestigious group taking time out from their busy evening to join us.

Unable to attend due to scheduling conflict was Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Judy Jacobs. Prior to the evening's events, Jacobs presented President Rob Jolson with a citation from Nassau County acknowledging and congratulating 50 years of baseball to the community of Syosset and Syosset Baseball.

Current President Rob Jolson, former treasurer and 12-year member of the Syosset Baseball Board of Directors, addressed the group on Syosset Baseball, the year's accomplishments, and commitment to the future.

Special presentations to the Babe Ruth travel divisions' 13- and 14-year-old groups celebrated and acknowledged their Nassau County Championship. Executive Director of Travel, Art Johansen, had the pleasure and honor of presenting their trophies for their accomplishments.

The traditional silent auction this year featured many new items, including a "meet and greet" clinic with Derek Jeter, Chad Pennington or Don Mattingly as some of the many new items to bid on, including signed and framed photos of the likes of Mickey Mantle and Pete Rose just to name a few.

Raffles, always a popular part of the evening's festivities, provided contributions from the Long Island Ducks with an autographed baseball from player Jason Navarro, and a program autographed by owner and third base coach and former New York Met, Bud Harrelson; The Syosset Advance with an autographed World Series baseball from New York Yankee, Jim Leyritz; The Syosset-Jericho Tribune with an autographed World Series baseball from New York Yankee Luis Soho; and direct from the New York Yankees, an autographed photo of reliever Mariano Rivera.

Throughout the evening, players were called up from various divisions to receive their intramural trophies for placing first through fourth, as well as those Champions in each division, 9 through 12 year old division. Additionally, the summer and fall travel players received their participation trophies and plaques for their efforts.

The evening was capped with a 50th Birthday cake decorated in the shape of a baseball field, with players and Mookie Wilson helping the players sing Happy Birthday Syosset Baseball.

Syosset Baseball Association would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to all players, parents, coaches, managers, umpires, board of directors and sponsors for making this year a special and memorable season and contributions throughout the 50 years of Syosset Baseball.